Archer Lodge, North Carolina

Archer Lodge is an unincorporated community located in Johnston County, North Carolina. The center of the community is located at the intersection of Buffalo Road and Covered Bridge Road about ten miles south of Wendell and ten miles northeast of Clayton.

History

A Masonic Lodge named Archer No. 157 was established by the Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free, and Accepted Masons of North Carolina on December 6, 1854, at what was then known as Creachville. In 1865, the lodge building was razed and the charter destroyed by Gen. William T. Sherman's Union army on their way to Raleigh. The Lodge received a new charter after the war, but a clerical error resulted in a misnumeration, and it was designated Archer Lodge No. 165. [http://www.archerlodge.org/History/ABridgeToTheGoodLife.pdf]

The community has had several Post Offices over the years. The first was called Creachville, and it existed from 1851-1866. This was followed by Archer Lodge (1877-1896). Finally, it was known as Archer, from 1896-1912. After 1912, the area was covered by either the Clayton or Wendell Post Offices. [ [http://postalhistory.com/postoffices.asp?task=display&state=NC&county=Johnson Notification Service | Post Offices ] ]

Not a Town, But Sure Acts Like One

The Archer Lodge community is a very strong one. There is a very nice community building near the site of the old school. There is a community meeting held once a month to have fellowship with neighbors and to discuss ways to improve the community. The community ball park hosts many baseball games in the summer, and now soccer games in the spring and fall. The Community Center holds many fundraisers throughout the year to raise the money necessary to maintain the building, ball park, and playground. Every year, on the weekend closest to the 4th of July, a Family Fun Day is held. The morning starts off with a road race, followed by a parade. The ball park is covered with games and fun things for the family. In the evening, a Little Miss Archer Lodge pageant is held for girls in kindergarten through third grade.

Growth

The Archer Lodge community is one of the fastest growing areas of Johnston County. A new middle school has just been built in the community. A new high school will be built in the next few years just outside of the community.

Incorporation

In early 2007, the process of incorporating the community of Archer Lodge was started. Three public meetings were held, and a petition is being circulated.

Landmarks

The most significant landmark in the community is C.E. Barnes Store. This store has been in operation for over 150 years. The old Masonic Lodge used to be located right next door. The building that used to be the boarding house for the teachers at Archer Lodge School still stands next to the ball park and is being used as a private residence. White Oak Baptist Church stands at the heart of the community. The church used to be known as the Archer Lodge Missionary Baptist Church, but changed its name when it moved to its current location under a stand of white oak trees.

References

External links

* [http://www.archerlodge.org/ Archer Lodge Community Website]
* [http://www.archerlodgefd.org/ Archer Lodge Fire Department]
* [http://www.whiteoakchurch.us/ White Oak Baptist Church]
* [http://www.incorporatearcherlodge.com/ Archer Lodge Incorporation Information]